The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office will assume control of the investigation of the death of an animal police have called "vicious."

In a press release, Interim Chief of Police Chuck Saunier said he asked the District Attorney's Office to take over the investigation "to ensure a thorough and unbiased third-party review."

"As law enforcement personnel, we want to maintain the highest standards and make sure our actions are above reproach," said Saunier. "I remain optimistic that the investigation will determine all of the facts of this tragic event."

The department has posted their initial statement, 911 call and dispatch recordings online and says they are committed to sharing the results of the investigation "in a transparent manner."

A 3-year-old dog named Chloe escaped from a garage on the 9600 block of Nucla Street.

A Commerce City police officer shot the dog five times as an animal-control agent placed a "catch pole" around its neck.

A neighbor captured the incident on home video, which has incited anger among some community members.

At the Commerce City Civic Center Monday evening, more than 20 people gathered for a candlelight vigil and demanded Commerce City Police be held accountable for their actions.